World Sword Swallowers Day Orlando

Orlando Odditorium

On February 23rd, 2013, Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Orlando will be marking this auspicious occasion by hosting twenty sword swallowers at its popular Orlando Odditorium on International Drive.

Ripley’s is a co-sponsor of World Sword Swallowers Day, along with the Sword Swallower’s Association International (SSAI).

The association was founded to raise awareness of the ancient art of sword swallowing and while there aren’t many sword swallowers left it the world, the group raises money every year for research into esophageal cancer.

2000 Year Tradition

The practice dates back to India, more than two thousand years BC.

It so impressed the traders and migrants moving along the spice routes between Asia and Europe that the art form became a standard in theater productions from ancient Rome and Greece to China and Japan.

Ripley’s became involved in the sword swallowing business at the Chicago World Fair back in 1933, where it was the highlight act.

Mind Over Matter

The trick, says Ripley’s, is in putting mind over matter and teaching yourself to repress the natural gag reflex while inserting a 25inch blade into your throat.

It’s a risky business, but Ripley’s has found a way for you to try your own hand at sword swallowing on World Sword Swallowers Day.

They have a new App where you can safely test your nerves on your iPad or iPhone.

Ripley’s is giving away the App instructions on World Sword Swallowers Day.